Employment Permits Section

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Welcome to the Employment Permits Section web pages.

• Who needs an Employment Permit?
• Current Application Processing Dates

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National (unless exempted) must hold a valid Employment Permit. The issue of an Employment Permit requires a job offer from a prospective Irish employer who has made every effort to recruit an Irish or EEA national for the post. Applications, which can be submitted by either the prospective employee or employer, are considered under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006.

The holder of an Employment Permit is only permitted to work for the employer and in the employment stated on the permit. Should the employee named on the permit, for any reason, cease to be employed by the employer and in the employment stated on the permit during the period of validity specified, the permit and any copies thereof must be returned immediately to the Employment Permits Section. It is an offence for both an employer and an employee to be party to the employment of a non-EEA national without a valid employment permit.

Important Notice: The Employment Permits Section does not have a public office and cannot facilitate personal callers to the office.

Information and applications forms can be downloaded from this website and for specific queries you can contact our call centre.

New Postage Requirements: In order to streamline the processing of employment permit applications, please indicate on the front of the envelope the type of employment permit you are applying for e.g. Green Card, Work Permit, Spousal/Dependant or ICT.